River blindness
River blindness, also known as Onchocerciasis, is a disease caused by the parasitic worm Onchocerca volvulus. It is transmitted through the bites of infected blackflies of the Simulium species, which breed in fast-flowing rivers and streams, mostly in remote villages located near fertile land where people rely on agriculture.
Symptoms and signs[edit | edit source]
The symptoms and signs of river blindness include severe itching, skin lesions, and visual impairment, including blindness. The disease can cause a reduced lifespan, decreased economic productivity, and social stigma.
Cause[edit | edit source]
River blindness is caused by the parasitic worm Onchocerca volvulus, which is transmitted to humans through the bites of infected blackflies of the Simulium species. The blackflies breed in fast-flowing rivers and streams, mostly in remote villages located near fertile land where people rely on agriculture.
Diagnosis[edit | edit source]
Diagnosis of river blindness involves a skin snip biopsy to detect microfilariae in the skin. Other diagnostic methods include an antibody test and an antigen test.
Treatment[edit | edit source]
Treatment for river blindness is primarily with the medication ivermectin, which kills the microfilariae. In some cases, the antibiotic doxycycline is used to kill the bacteria inside the worm.
Epidemiology[edit | edit source]
River blindness is the second-most common cause of blindness due to infection, after trachoma. It affects millions of people in sub-Saharan Africa, although it has been eliminated in some areas through successful public health campaigns.
Prevention[edit | edit source]
Prevention of river blindness involves controlling the blackfly population and mass treatment of at-risk populations with ivermectin.
See also[edit | edit source]
River blindness Resources | ||
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